W D Hill was the founder of the Royal South Street Society.

On Monday, 14 November 2016, an event was held for the unveiling and restoration of William Hill’s gravestone at Ballarat’s Old Cemetery.  This was to commemorate the three times Mayor of Ballarat and founder of Royal South Street Society. This was also the date of William’s death.

Hill played an active role in Ballarat’s cultural and economic life and held many offices with the Mechanics Institute, the Ballarat Orphanage and established what would become Ballarat Regional Tourism.